Shirley McCune

Rosewood Heights:

Shirley D. McCune, 91, passed away at 5:32am on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Villas of Hollybrook in East Alton. She was born on July 17, 1935, in Roxana, the daughter of the late Samuel and Hazel (Gibbons) Fleming. She married Francis Grant McCune in December of 1960, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2020. Survivors include a son and daughter in law: Gregory and Cathy McCune of Godfrey, a daughter in law: Marcie McCune of Dorsey, her grandchildren: Megan (Tim) Kamp, Martha (Stephen) Edwards, Bryan (Christi) McCune, Alex (Courtney) McCune, Nicholas McCune, her great grandchildren: Emerson, Levi, Hadley, Evie, Elana, Aiden, Myles, Sylvia, a brother: Samuel Fleming, Jr. of East Alton, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Shirley graduated high school from Civic Memorial High School and graduated with a Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In 1958, she took a job as the girls physical education teacher at East Alton Wood River High School and was the Physical Education Department Chair from 1969 to 1979. In 1979, she became the Dean of Girls and Attendance Center, a role she held until 1984. From 1985 to 1987, she was the Administrative Assistant/Dean of Girls. From 1988 to 1991, she was the Administrative Assistant/Instructional Services. In 1992, she became the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, a position she held until 1994. She was the founder of the Oilerettes Drill Team. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son: Michael Grant McCune, and a sister: Barbara.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 10am until 12pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Graveside services will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to the Hope Center or to the EAWR Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.